Kalikot: An Epitome Of Karnali Region

Kalikot is one of the remotest districts of Nepal. It is a hilly district in Karnali Province of Nepal's Mid-Western Development Region. According to folklore, the district is named after the temple of Kali Devi which is located Kalika village of this district. Manma is the district headquarters of Kalikot. To the east of Kalikot lies Jumla district and to the west is Achham district. It is surrounded by Bajura and Mugu in the north and Dailekh and Jajarkot districts in the south. Karnali, the longest river of Nepal, originates in Tibet and flows from the middle of Kalikot. 

Covering a total area of 1,741 square kilometers, the lowest altitude of Kalikot is 738 meters while the highest is 4,790 meters. On average, the temperature of Kalikot in summer goes up to 18 degree Celsius while it comes down to 5 degree Celsius in the winter. Moreover, it witnesses an average of 730 ml rainfall. 

More than half area of Kalikot district is covered by forests whereas only 10.16% is arable. 90 percent of the population is involved in agriculture, and the major crops include wheat, rice, maize, millet, ginger, chilly, potato and so on. Kalikot is also a fertile land for fruits like orange, apple, lemon and walnut. Some residents are involved in animal husbandry as well. Cow, ox, buffalo, sheep, mule, etc. are domesticated for milk, wool, manure and transportation of goods.

Touristic Attractions of Kalikot 

Badimalika Temple 

Located at the border between Kalikot and Bajur districts, Badimalika Temple is a jewel of the Sudurpashchim Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagwati and it is visited by a huge number of devotees especially during Malika Chaturdashi and Janai Purnima every year. At an altitude of 4,219 meters, Badimalika lies in Triveni Municipality of Bajura district. Devotees firmly believe that paying a pilgrimage to this temple will result in the fulfillment of one's wishes. Badimalika Temple is run by two priests. One of them hails from Bajura and another is from Kalikot. 

Apart from its religious value, Badimalika is a slice of heaven. Numerous grassy hills and the spectacular view of Mt. Saipal are special features of Badimalika. Since there is no proper route, Badimalika has not been able to draw as many tourists and pilgrims as it could. For its natural beauty and religious importance, you must visit Badimalika during your trip to Kalikot and Bajura. 

Pachal Waterfall 

Pachal Waterfall of Kalikot is known as the tallest waterfall of Nepal. Moreover, it is among the top 30 tallest waterfalls in the world and is claimed to be the tallest waterfall of South Asia as well. With a height of 381 meters, this falls is located in an isolated place of Pachaljharana municipality. Its enormous height and the serene surrounding offer a truly magical view. 

Pili Bazar 

Pili Bazar is a place in Kalikot where several brutal killings took place during the decade long insurgency in Nepal. Kalikot was one of the most affected districts during the war. It is being developed as a war tourism zone. A war museum, organized routes, statues and guest houses have been established to promote this area for tourism. The war museum has a collection of weapons used by both parties during the 10-year war. Likewise, a memorial building is currently under construction which will contain statues of those who lost their lives during the war. 

Besides these, various places of touristic and religious importance are waiting to be explored in Kalikot. To witness the natural beauty, poverty, rusticity and impact of the violent war, you must visit Kalikot once in your lifetime.